Anupa Khanal (she/her) is a fourth-year student studying International Economics at Georgetown University-Qatar. She is interested in the intersection of development, gender, and environmental studies. Throughout her Georgetown journey, she has taken part in different research and experiential programs like ZCZP (Zones of Conflict, Zones of Peace), COP-28. She aims to continue her research endeavour in the future. She hopes her research and work can be impactful in the area of Economics.
Intersecting Identities: Exploring the Disproportionate Effects of Climate Change on Indigenous Women in Nepal
Indigenous communities in Nepal, especially women, are disproportionately impacted by climate change due to their deep reliance on natural resources, agriculture, and traditional livelihoods. As climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns intensify, these communities face growing threats to food security, health, and cultural practices. Yet, the intersection of gender and indigeneity remains largely absent from climate resilience discourse, even though Indigenous women play vital roles in natural resource management, adaptation, and community-based resilience. This research explores the unique vulnerabilities of Indigenous women to climate change in Nepal and their adaptive strategies, while critically examining how gender shapes these experiences. It focuses on the question: How are Indigenous women in Nepal disproportionately affected by climate change, and how do intersecting identities of gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status influence their capacity for adaptation? Using ethnographic methods, the study will engage with Indigenous women from the Tamang, Tharu, and Rai communities through 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. These will capture lived experiences of vulnerability and resilience, focusing on access to adaptation resources, traditional ecological knowledge, and participation in decision-making. The research will also include document analysis of national and local climate policies to assess their inclusivity from a gender and Indigenous perspective. Anchored in an intersectional feminist framework, this study seeks to understand how overlapping systems of patriarchy, caste-based exclusion, and ethnic marginalization shape Indigenous women’s experiences while highlighting their resilience, knowledge, and agency. The findings will be shared through policy briefs, academic publications, and a digital storytelling project amplifying Indigenous women’s voices. Ultimately, this research aims to promote gender-responsive and culturally inclusive climate adaptation policies that recognize Indigenous women not as victims, but as key agents of change in the face of climate challenges.